Representatives from Good Hope High School, the City of Good Hope, the City of Cullman, Cullman County, the Cullman County School Board and the Cullman County Bicentennial Committee pose on the steps of the Cullman County Museum. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

GHHS teachers Anita Whitlock and Natasha Holcombe were joined by Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and GHHS Principal Dr. John Hood at the Cullman County Museum as Drew Green, chairman of the Cullman County Bicentennial Committee, presented the check for $1955.57.

“We are so excited and honored to have been selected as a Bicentennial School. This year will be a celebration for the community, teachers and students of Good Hope,” Whitlock said.

An all-day celebration, “There’s Good Hope in Alabama,” is planned for May 4, 2019. The festival will be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., starting with the 5K Raider Run. A cemetery tour with student actors portraying notable residents is also planned.

Holcombe explained, “Amanda Williams and the fashion class are creating costumes. John Sachs is helping to select actors and mentoring our students. The students are researching and writing scripts. We hope by learning these stories, the history of Good Hope will continue to live.”

“The high school’s gym will be transformed to create the Good Hope Museum. Today’s gift will help us with the museum that will highlight the history of both the school and our community. Craft vendors will be set up in the hallways and the SGA will be hosting a lunch in the cafeteria. Deonne Pugh is planning the car show. It’s going to be a great day,” Whitlock added.

The school hopes to have a website and Facebook page for “There’s Good Hope in Alabama” soon.

The Alabama Bicentennial is a three-year celebration of the state’s 200th birthday, with each year focused on a different aspect of history.

Said Green, “We are so proud of our Bicentennial Schools. Everyone has worked so good together: the city, county, the schools and the businesses. The Bicentennial celebration is special and only comes around once!”

Last year celebrated the places of Alabama. This year celebrates the people and next year will be about the stories from Alabama. The state Bicentennial Celebration will take place Dec. 14, 2019. Learn more at www.Alabama200.org.

Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker, Commissioner Garry Marchman and Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope were in attendance to congratulate Good Hope High School for its achievement. The donation was made possible by contributions from both the City and County.